Pathology Department Drives Global Advances in Oncology Through 2025 Research Excellence
Celebrating Leadership in Innovation, Collaboration, and Clinical Impact
The Pathology Department, in partnership with its specialised clinical trial testing unit Nexomics and Australia’s largest molecular haematology service The Wilson Centre for Blood Cancer Genomics, has delivered an exceptional year of scientific achievement. With over 100 peer-reviewed publications, our research continues to shape the future of oncology worldwide, advancing precision medicine, molecular diagnostics, and AI-driven genomic analysis.
Key Highlights
- Precision oncology and high-complexity genomics: A breakthrough involved using Whole-Genome (WGS) and Transcriptome sequencing to resolve difficult-to-diagnose tumors. The SUPER-ED trial demonstrated that WGS significantly improves tissue-of-origin diagnosis and treatment options for Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP)
- Hematologic resistance and safety: Research provided critical insights into therapy evasion, identifying acquired BCL2 variants in AML resistance and novel BTK mutations in CLL. A landmark NEJM study detailed CAR+ T-Cell Lymphoma following Cilta-cel therapy, while other work identified BAX-mutated clonal hematopoiesis post-venetoclax treatment.
- Global Standards: Publications influenced international consensus, including best practices for lung cancer molecular testing in Australia and peri-operative management of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)Spotlight on Leading Contributors.
- Complex Malignancy Insights: Vital research conducted into large-cell transformation in mycosis fungoides, specifically analysing patient outcomes and radiotherapy dose-responses, as well as investigating germline TET2 loss-of-function variants.
-
Our success is driven by the extraordinary work of our leading researchers:
- A/Professor Catherine Mitchell has spearheaded transformative studies in molecular pathology, particularly in integrating genomic sequencing with clinical workflows. Her work has set new benchmarks for diagnostic accuracy and personalised treatment strategies.
- Dr Stephen Lade In2025, Stephen Lade was a key contributor to the Pathology Department’s research success, ranking as the third most prolific author with seven peer-reviewed publications. His research primarily focuses on haematopathology, aggressive lymphomas, and rare dermatological malignancies.
- Professor Stephen Fox has delivered pioneering insights into tumour biology and biomarker discovery, enabling clinicians to refine prognostic models and therapeutic decision-making for aggressive malignancies
- A/Professor Piers Blombery has advanced the understanding of haematological cancers through innovative genomic profiling, influencing global standards for lymphoma and leukaemia management.
Together, these contributions underscore our commitment to translating cutting-edge research into meaningful clinical outcomes.
Explore the full list of 2025 publications here.
